My Famous Chocolate Covered Cherries
These are so good. I have to make 2 dozen for my grandmother every Christmas and she refuses to share them. She actually hides them and pulls them out one at a time. I really have no idea how many this makes as I usually double or triple the recipe. Also, it depends on how much of the center you like. UPDATE: Some people have had difficulty with the filling being too runny…adding more powdered sugar is not going to alter the taste so feel free to add another 1/2 c to a cup without worry :)
These are so good. I have to make 2 dozen for my grandmother every Christmas and she refuses to share them. She actually hides them and pulls them out one at a time. I really have no idea how many this makes as I usually double or triple the recipe. Also, it depends on how much of the center you like. UPDATE: Some people have had difficulty with the filling being too runny…adding more powdered sugar is not going to alter the taste so feel free to add another 1/2 c to a cup without worry :)
- Carbohydrate 42.6549000014589 g
- Cholesterol 26.01 mg
- Fat 52.0600201304941 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 6.56127000145894 g
- Saturated Fat 13.6160100270714 g
- Serving Size 1 1 batch (137g)
- Sodium 629.385001528645 mg
- Sugar 42.6549000014589 g
- Trans Fat 2.37616200583576 g
- Calories 663 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine the first 5 ingredients until well blended and smooth and place in fridge until firm.
- Meanwhile spread out the drained cherries on a cookie sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Scoop out about 1-2 teaspoon of filling and form into a ball around a cherry.
- Place on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and freeze for 1 hr after you have formed them all.
- Melt dipping chocolate and using your hands dip each cherry placing it on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and chill in fridge until chocolate is solid.
- Remove cherries carefully as not to break them open and loose the center.
- Place in an airtight plastic container and keep in a cool dry place for up to 1 month.
My Famous Chocolate Covered Cherries: A Holiday Tradition
For years, the Christmas season hasn't felt complete until I've made my famous chocolate-covered cherries. It's a tradition I inherited, not from a fancy cookbook or a celebrity chef, but from the simple joy of watching my grandmother savor each one. She's fiercely protective of these little treats, hiding them away like precious jewels and doling them out one by one, extending the pleasure long after the holidays have passed. This isn't just a recipe; it's a memory, a symbol of family gatherings, and a testament to the power of simple sweets made with love.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I've never actually counted exactly how many cherries this makes. Sometimes I double it, sometimes I triple it, depending on the size of my family gatherings and how many of my friends want a taste! The amount of filling per cherry is also up to you. Some like a generous center, others prefer a smaller, more chocolate-intensive treat. This is a recipe where you get to be creative and tailor it to your tastes and the occasion. One note of advice - if you find the filling a little too runny, don't hesitate to add more powdered sugar. It won't affect the taste, just the consistency, making those perfectly formed balls that much easier to create.
Making these cherries has become an annual ritual for me. I enjoy the process: the satisfying mix of ingredients, creating the smooth filling, the careful molding around each cherry. The anticipation builds as the cherries freeze, then the magical moment of dipping them into the rich, dark chocolate. The final step, watching them harden into glossy perfection, is truly rewarding. The aroma of melted chocolate filling my kitchen is an integral part of the holiday season.
Beyond the simple act of making them, there's the pleasure of sharing. While my grandmother zealously guards her supply, I also take pride in gifting these cherries to friends and family. They're a small token of holiday cheer, a sweet gesture that speaks volumes about care and consideration. And, of course, I always keep a few for myself – a little secret stash to savor on a quiet evening when the holiday rush has subsided. These are more than just cherries; they are little bites of happiness, treasured memories wrapped in rich dark chocolate. It's a recipe that perfectly reflects the heart of the holidays: a blend of tradition, love and delightful indulgence.
This year, I’m particularly excited to share this recipe because it has evolved through many years and many requests. There were several instances when people mentioned the filling being too runny and I've added some tips to help you achieve the ideal consistency. Enjoy the process, adapt it to your liking, and most importantly, savor every moment of this sweet tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar (you may want to use more to thicken – some people have used another cup full)
- Maraschino cherries, drained
- Milk dipping chocolate (I use Ghirardelli's)
Happy holidays, and happy baking!
